Twilight Opinion

High on caffeine from drinking too much iced tea caused me to lie awake until the wee hours of the morning. Even after finishing off two books, sleep eluded me. Since I had to entertain myself anyway I opted to replay some of the videos on my trusty iPod until the sandman saw it fit to put me to slumber. For some reason, I ended up re-watching Twilight.

I honestly don't know why that movie was such a hit. Those that followed might have been better than the first but they were still (IMO) bad. Usually the books from which movies are adapted entertain me more. Since they have more to the movie storyline, I suppose the Twilight saga did but...let's just say that even the books didn't really call to me much when my sister first introduced them to me.

Despite my finding the movies wanting and the books overly cheesy, I have the Twilight movie on my iPod, New Moon in a flash drive, Eclipse in a link I've bookmarked, the pictures of the Breaking Dawn cast in my netbook, a couple of ebook copies stored somewhere, and now, I'm actually waiting for part 2 of Breaking Dawn to be released so I can watch part 1. Huh!

Twilight (the movie) was immensely popular when it came out. It certainly propelled the lead actors to overwhelming popularity eventhough the acting was poor and the sequence of events was unremarkable. Funny but I found that the parody of it was a lot better. In any case, every time I watch reruns of the the Twilight movies it makes me cringe how they (Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and most everyone else) portrayed their characters. I think the only ones I found credible were Peter Facinelli, Michael Sheen, Billy Burke, Elizabeth Reaser, and Dakota Fanning.

Is it just me or is there really something wrong with the way they express supposed feelings? I totally found it awkward. Was it the directors' fault for not guiding the stars accordingly? or were they just as oblivious to the terrible scenes? Could they possibly just have been cashing in on what they were seeing to be the trending topic in the book world? Either way, I guess that doesn't really matter anymore as it proved compelling enough for the people...myself included--though for the life of me I have no idea why.

This isn't the first time I've blogged about this franchise and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if I managed to generate a number of anti-fans if any of my blogs were made public. Still, every time I return to it I find myself needing to write a blistering commentary on almost every scene. I think I need to air this out with someone who can argue with me and/or someone who'll second my views. Anyone game?

Reading Discoveries

It's not often that I feel right doing nothing but since my last day from work, I've enjoyed having my days to myself and doing what I pleased. Of course, there was that trip to Makati to have one of the signatories "clear" me but dinner, coffee, and tea with a friend and acquaintances made it worth the trip out.
Anyway, I've been re-reading the trilogies and sagas of one of my favourite authors and found it interesting and just a little baffling that there are errors in the time lines of the books. Though these books are supposedly checked by the writer and the editor prior to their publication, there are still those inconsistencies. Names of certain characters are not always the same but then again, these could be mere typos rather than a mistake in identity. In any case, I also found it nice that even N. Roberts does cross-overs/mash-ups in her books. I discovered that Darcy Gallagher of the Gallaghers of Ardmore trilogy made a "cameo" in the Chesapeake Bay saga. Then there's the appearance of the stunning and talented O'Hurley sisters in the Stanislaski Family series. One of the things I love about book series is that it allows me to keep track of characters I previously liked or even hated. Learning these small things were pleasant bits of revelation.
Of course, like all other times when I pick up a book and immerse myself with the story, scenarios pop up in my head and make me think about how I'd do things if it was me in the character's position. It's certainly a roller coaster of emotions but it's because of it that I can acknowledge just how moody I can be. I find that I can float on that cloud of happiness and contentment for days if I envision that long abiding in love stage, and then I can be downright crabby and surly when what I've read puts me in a position that pushes at me wrong. It's funny when I reflect on it because often I find I'd have thought me a schizo if I wasn't me. I mean, talk about a multiple personality disorder! It's fun though. I'm a sucker for romance so most times my thoughts tend to linger on the happy moments. Reality can be depressing enough so consciously--or unconsciously for that matter, I try to think of plots that please me so I face my days on a positive note.

The downside of delving into books though, is that I lose myself in them too much--enough that I sometimes forego eating, lose track of time, and disassociate myself with the rest of the world in general. Perhaps readers are artists in that way. We hole up and hide ourselves in the world our imagination has put us in, snap at anyone and anything that makes us lose our concentration, and when we resurface welcome the fresh view we have of our surroundings.

From One "Beotch" to Another - TMR

At a little past 6AM today, I tuned in again to TMR "on Manila's Monster Radio, RX93.1" as I was curious to know what topic Chico and Del had cooked up. Fortunately, it was one I'm well familiar with since the key word for today's theme was "beotch". Okay, so maybe not quite since the root word would be that which is often referred to a canine of the female kind--a word I so often use that it's even in the by-line of my signature in ymail.

The given: What do you say to a beotch who says to you, "Alam mo (You know), b*tchy ka (you're a b*tch)."

Most liked answers (by me, of course!):

- "The next time I need your useless opinion, I'll ask for it."

- "...only to you"

- "Next time, tell me something I don't know."

- "Bakit? Nakalimutan ko?"

- "Oh wait, nobody told me. Since when did your opinion start to matter?"

- "Is this my cue to fake that I'm hurt?"

- "Alam mo, it's painful talking to idiots."

- "Pasalamat ka wala kang leeg. Kung hindi, sinakal na kita."

- "And yet there are still people who hang around me. And you...?"

- "So aside from stating the obvious, what else can you do?"

- "Twinkle, twinkle little snitch. Mind your business little b*tch!"

- "Talk to me again when I become dumb enough to listen to you."

- "Even though we're birds of the same feather, we are NOT flocking together."

- "Yes, I am...a Beautiful Individual That Challenges Hoes."

- "Talk to the hand...and for complaints, consult my middle finger."

-->I listed more than the usual 10 because I thought they were catchy and totally useful later on...(~_^) *wink*

Like I always say, "I'm a sweet b*tch, go figure." (^o^)y

Making TMR A Daily Habit

I really enjoy listening to Chico and Del of RX 93.1 (Monster Radio)'s The Morning Rush (a.k.a., TMR) every chance I get. They rarely fail to disappoint me. Their comments and segues on their Daily Top 10 are so random and funny that a lot of their listeners would agree with me when I say they make my face hurt from laughing. Yesterday's topic was another winner. I managed to catch some of the entries sent in even though I was at work and feeling a bit woozy from meds I took for my allergic rhinitis. Other people might not necessarily concur but I think it's really better when Chico does the impersonations involved. Del's reactions also add flavour to the segment so s'all good. Some of these may seem old but I'd like to share them anyway so...read on.

The topic: Top 10 Things A Saucy Yaya (househelp/nanny/maid) Would Say

10) Yaya goes to her employer and says: "Madam, I quit. I resign. I'm moving to the neighbour's house. And if you're asking why, the answer's too obvious. They have WiFi!"

9) Madam calls out, "Yaya!" The one being called comes up to the madam and retorts, "I have a name, you know!"

8) Madam comments on Yaya's profile picture in Facebook. "Wow, Yaya! Your so pretty in your profile picture!" Yaya smugly replies, "Of course! Only Adobe touches my skin."

7) Madam has a party to attend and is looking for her boa (aside: not the snake). Yaya condescendingly verifies, "Oh, you mean the faux fur that retails for 100 pesos?"

6) Madam brings Yaya to the US. Madam tells Yaya, "We have The Filipino Channel here. Do you want to watch Wowwowwee (popular Philippine variety show)?" Yaya sniffs and says, "Hello! We're in Chicago. I prefer Oprah."

5) Yaya's friend comes to her to demand payment for an old debt. Yaya witheringly says to her friend, "It's not my fault you don't have PayPal!"

4) Madam calls Yaya and gives her three thousand pesos. "Here's three thousand pesos for market." Yaya eyes the money in her hand and asks, "Three thousand? Seriously?!"

3) Yaya walks up to madam and declares, "Madam, the San Miguel stocks are doing very well now. It'd be a good idea to sell some to gain profit. I've already sold some of mine. Have you?"

2) Yaya calls madam from the province through Skype after having received a text message from the latter. Madam angrily asks, "Yaya, why didn't you say you were going home to the province?" To which Yaya defensively replies, "Duh! I posted it on Google+!"

and the topper to the Top 10 Things A Saucy Yaya Would Say

1) Madam commends Yaya for a job well done. "Yaya, you did a really good job. How ever do you do it?" Yaya simply acknowledges this and says, "Madam, expertise without integrity is empty. Integrity without expertise is ineffectual. Expertise and integrity without service is irrelevant."

Now don't you think a dose of TMR is one of the best ways to start your day with a smile?

Rain and What It Brings

There are perks to living in a tropical country. One of them is having just two seasons to deal with, rain or shine. Literally. It being late July, waking up to the patter of rain is normal. Of course, since I have to go work, my mind went into overdrive into thinking what to wear. While I have three pairs of boots that I enjoy flaunting, only one is sturdy enough to brave the weather. I would love to sport those today, but then I remembered buying another cute pair just for this occasion during my visit to Korea.

To me, they seem more like galoshes than boots. There really isn't much of a difference but I like to make the distinction. The former is more of an accessory to preserve what is possibly a great and valuable pair of footsies during the rainy season, the latter an absolute necessity to any individual's wardrobe, rain or shine. While the boots I bought are adorable, finding the right outfit to go with it is a challenge. (I'm "girl" that way. Sue me.)

Anyway, to help that decision along, I opted to search the web for possible looks that I could copy. Although I didn't find any due to my available wardrobe goodies, I did see some very interesting items that I would REALLY love to have. One, is the funky pair of boots from Chooka that they used to do in collab with Simone Legno's Tokidoki, and another is the fabulous pair by Tretorn I recently saw at the mall which retails at the same price of my fave Sanuk brand.

I'm now alternating between thinking these things are a godsend...or really hating the timing since I'm trying to cut back on luxury expenditures.

Observations of a Not-So-Travelled Traveller

Filipino time is certainly something else. Either I’m of another race in my previous life or the real-time business that I’ve worked with for 9 years just completely rubbed off on me, but either way, I’ve become a stickler for being on-time…most of the time. The day of my trip to the US was pock-marked with a lot of time issues. For one, if the cab driver I’d contracted to take me to the airport had arrived on the dot as he’d promised, the 20 minutes wasted waiting for him might have kept me from standing in queue during check-in for an hour. Another is the delay in boarding and the lack of proper procedure for it. Had they echoed the process of the Royal Brunei Airlines in calling out passengers according to rows instead of sections, the plane might not have had to taxi so long as it waited to be cleared for take-off. Although it cannot be helped and no longer can be delimited to Filipinos alone, there was likewise a delay in the serving of meals en route to New York as very bad turbulence was encountered almost as soon as the plane went airborne.

In the handful of travels I’ve made over the years, I’ve never been overly impressed with the food served on board. Today’s fare was no different as it remains exactly the same as what I had a year ago. From Manila to Narita, breakfast choices were spam with egg and beef. I remembered having to choke down my breakfast of last year which was the spam and egg combo so I opted to take the beef and egg bit. While that was a smart choice, I forgot that I was among the first served so the food was too hot for me to handle. I ended up coughing through my first few bites, natch, but managed to regain control of myself. For the meal from the Narita to New York flight, I went for the Korean-style bibimbap. It lacked the pepper paste but it was still alright. One thing about the food though, is that it’s complete. They served a complete 4-5 course meal which was filling enough. Entrée was fresh green salad with a dressing that I actually liked very much then the main course comprised of the bibimbap and breaded chicken. The latter wasn’t something I finished since one of the two pieces carried with it the flavor of the ginger slices on the side (and I don’t like ginger). Desert was a chocolate mousse cake which I found so-so. Lastly served was the roll with butter. When we neared our destination, snacks were served in the form of a pineapple pastry puff, yogurt, and some mixed fruit. Since I don’t eat yogurt and was not feeling up to eating the fruit, I finished off the pastry.

We landed and docked on time at JFK International and though my itinerary said I’d be at Terminal 1, I ended up at Terminal 3. I really wanted to give the airport the benefit of the doubt and that the terminal would look better than last year however, that hope was killed when the immigration set-up remained the same. The place reminded me of the old domestic airport in Manila though the biometrics was more high-tech. It was a bit surprising to see how lax security was seeing as how I could have walked out of that airport with someone else’s luggage. No one bothered to check if the baggage ticket I had matched the one attached to my wheeled duffel. There was a bit of confusion on my pick up because my family followed my itinerary to the T and then it took us longer than usual to arrive at Clifton, New Jersey due to roadside whackos asking for death. We circumnavigated and found ourselves in downtown Manhattan before my aunt became familiar with the “back roads” to Clifton. When I was asked how my flight was, the only word I could think of was ‘turbulent’. It’s always interesting what happens whenever I travel and though it may be frustrating sometimes, it does bring a wealth of possibilities.

Finding Comfort in Retail Therapy

Very recently I went on another shopping spree to relieve myself of some stress. Staying long hours at work, worrying about visa applications, and contemplating what to bring to the US all took its toll on me. I had not originally intended to shop, really, but since the opportunity was there, I didn't bother to control myself...much. Sanuk was on sale with a 50 for 50 deal or what they call Happy Half and though the pairs they put on sale were limited, I still ended up with a purchase. I never regret my buys from that place as I know that my feet will thank me for the pairs that I get from there. Travel-buddies, Mitzie and Christine, agree with me on this as they, too, have a growing collection of Sanuks.

Anyway, to prep me for my long vacay, I had thought to get myself some undergarments. Divisoria had a lot to offer in that department but I was iffy about the quality of stuff I'd get from there. It is, after all, intimate and delicate apparel. Although they'd be more budget-friendly, they might fall apart on me after the first few washings. Since I was happy with my previous tops from Bench Body, I decided to get myself another set at their branch in Trinoma. Luck was on my side as they had a 2-for-1 kind of offer. I'd never been very good at estimates so it took me awhile to decide on what pair I wanted to get. I ended up buying a cream and blue pair though I'd promised myself that I'd return for another if they

should still have the promo when I got back. With my purchases swinging on my arm and my wallet already free of some of its content, I walked around the mall some more. I happened to come across a Sale sign at Soda so natch, that drew me like magnet. I don't really need another blouse but most of what I have are tees. It's rare that I find something in my size in boutiques like those but I was pleasantly surprised to find one that fit me. What ordinarily would have cost some four or five hundred was marked down to two hundred. Another bargain. Although I'd told myself to hold off on the shopping, there's a sense of achievement that I had not spent as much I would have because of the promos. I was tired and a few hundred pesos less by the end of the day, but I was happy.

Breakfast at the Kanin Club

I've always believed that a hearty breakfast would be enough to sustain me throughout the day. Stress can sometimes limit the hours of gastronomic contentment but on a regular day and in a perfect world, breakfast is more than sufficient to keep me filled even until the day ends.

A few days ago, a colleague and I went around the T-hub to have our breakfast. It being the holy week, our choices were limited since all other establishments, coffee shops included, were closed for the holiday. Surprisingly, Kanin Club was open. I'd eaten there only once before with a couple of friends and thought the food was worth its price. What I hadn't counted on was that they'd only serve breakfast sets even at past 10AM. The choices looked like the usual combinations you'd normally find at a Pares establishment. They didn't have my favourite tocino so I went with the next best choice...tapa!

The images in the menu didn't look very appetizing, to be honest, but I had to eat. So even though one plate set me back a couple of hundred pesos, I still picked it as my meal for the day. It took several minutes for our food to be prepared but when they served it, the proportions were well worth the wait. The garlic rice was packed, there were 2 sunny-side up eggs on the side, and slices of tomato and cucumber. The meat itself was enough to go with the rice and the taste fit my palate just right.

After my one time visit to the Kanin Club before, I thought nothing else on their menu could do justice to the way their stuffed squid and beef sinigang were cooked. Their simple but huge breakfast meals sure proved me wrong.

Lovin' TOMS!

I finally managed to buy a pair of TOMS! Was almost discouraged in ever finding them in my size here in the Phils. but thanks much to a friend's tip, I got my very first pair today at Trinoma. It was a contest between the Journey or the Tie Dye Blue Denims but the latter won out. Maybe come April, I'll get the Journey. Pretty apt timing since I'll be trippin' a short time after that for my month-long vacay. Woot! Woot!

The fit's really snug since TOMS come in narrow widths but according to their site, depending on the demand of the market, they might just come out with other sizes. I don't really mind since my feet are of the slim sort so this aspect isn't much of an issue for me. Anyway, I overheard the sales clerk say to a fellow buyer that they were waiting for additional designs to be delivered. When that rolls around, I might just find myself with a new one. I've my eyes set on a couple of designs but natch, I'm still weighing my finances. These things don't come in cheap packages so unless there're discounts, I won't be as impulsive in buying new pairs until after July.

Trending Kpop

Only a couple of days to go before the much anticipated Super Junior Super Show 3 Concert. Of course, being the paranoid fan that I am, I made sure to align my schedules and my resources to get good tickets and (what I deem) necessary paraphernalia for the actual event. Funny but my friend and I never thought that the interest in Korean music would evolve into the craze that it is these days when we first came across our first Korean song. Back then, we'd only been interested in faces and a few talents but when we got into it, it just...clicked. We've seen the births, deaths, and rebirths of many artists since then and I must say that that journey has been nothing but interesting.

"Fan-girling" (as they call this "affliction" to kpop) carries with it the natural desire to acquire anything that would mark one as a "follower" of that artist. Take me, for example. Believe it or not, I've taken it to a level where I sometimes don't think twice about spending a few thousand just to watch them perform live. I get my "goods" from YesAsia Aside from the online purchases I make to get DVD copies of their concerts, I've also scoured and ripped hundreds of pictures from the net and had some of them printed. A travel buddy of mine, who is also a growing kpop fan, has already made several noises about going to Korea. If I'm crazy enough, I just might take her up on her invite too and actually make use of my Korean language lessons...and yes, I did take it up just because.

On another note, today marks the release of Big Bang's comeback. A mini album that has already spread like wildfire in the net. It'd be a debate to decide which was more awaited, that of TVXQ's return or that of Big Bang since both caused a significant increase in the use of search engines in the few weeks. I like the music of both, don't get me wrong, but having been introduced earlier to TVXQ makes me lean more towards them. It'd have been better and probably more explosive if all five members had been together but that's showbiz. I'm not going to get into a lengthy discussion about which group is better since they each have their strengths so I'm just going to say that grabbing a copy of their albums is rarely, if not at all, a regret.

Sadly, our very own Filipino music isn't as appreciated though quality-wise, we are just as good. It is a bit disheartening that Philippine pride only rises when Manny Pacquiao wins a match. We've great composers and lyricists so why not export our music? Meanwhile, perhaps giving ourselves a chance to be open to other cultures will spur us to dig deep and nurture a seed of interest in the local scenes. Who knows, maybe someday Pinoy Pop will also rank high in Yahoo!, bing, Google, Metasearch, and the like.

Booking Anew at Delta Airlines

I came from the Delta Airlines office at Makati today to catch the last day of their promo for cheaper airfare to the US. I honestly wouldn't have known where their office was if I'd had a higher credit limit on my credit card, or they hadn't implemented their new measures as regards credit purchases.

Because my credit limit on my card wasn't sufficient to cover my airfare last year, my mum had generously lent me her card number. Back then it was easier to book a flight as all I needed were the number, the expiry date, and the card security digits. This time, getting an online ticket entailed much more...that is, my mum either had to come with me to the airport on the day of my departure, or she goes to the Delta Airlines office to confirm the ticket purchase. While I realize this was made to protect cardholders from fraudulent use, it really ticked me that this unexpected sitch "forced" me to alter my itinerary for the day.

Since I live in QC, my options to go to Makati were to take a bus, the MRT, or the cab. With the flag down rate of cabs already up by ten bucks and the increments at three-fifty, taxis were definitely out of the question. I scrapped the idea of taking the MRT as well when I saw the very long queues just leading up to the station. They were about a block long! I wasn't in a rush so I'd decided to endure the rest of my bus ride. I really should've checked the plackards before getting on the damn thing as it took me two hours just to get to Buendia. The bus driver stopped at every corner and waited around like 10 minutes so even though I'd sleep some, I'd find myself waking up just a few blocks away from where I'd first drifted off.

Anyway, I made it to the office still sane. The place is easy enough to find though it would seem a bit remote. It was unimpressive and looked like the PAL office I'd gone to before but surprisingly, it was a whole lot smaller than I'd originally imagined. I was surprised about that since I thought many travellers opted to take DA when heading to the Americas. As such, I figured that there'd be a roomier booking office to accommodate its patrons.

Despite the limited space, I noticed that the procession of customers entertained by the clerks was slow. I waited close to half an hour for my turn though there were only 3 people ahead of me. Apparently, these people hadn't done their research and weren't ready with their flight preferences so catering to them took an extraordinarily extended length of time.

When my number was called, the clerk was nice and courteous enough. I wondered if she was really like that with everyone she'd assisted before since I felt she'd treated me the way an adult treated a child. Not that she was condescending or patronizing, mind you, but it did feel like she was careful with her inquiries and her instructions. I didn't really care as that's not unusual for me...but it was amusing. I had the advantage of being able to get window seats so that wasn't such a bad deal. In any case, I'm just glad to get this over and done with. I've learned my lesson. Before my next trip, I should seriously think about getting a higher credit limit on my card so I can forego small hassles.

Clipa...my new BFF

I don't know about others but I'm certainly one who rarely hesitates to get what I want when I want. One very good example is when I come across an item I deem worth the effort of acquiring. I've often raved about the great buys I get but for me, this happens most with three things: books, bags, and of course, shoes!

I previously wrote how I almost bought a fifth pair of Sanuk Sandals last time and how I didn't because they didn't come in my size. Well, in my obsession to have the very convenient Clipa, a very sturdy and handy bag holder which I'll talk about in bit, I found the right fitting Sanuk sandals that I was eyeing at the labyrinthine mall that is Rustan's Makati. My friend always says I'm imeldific and truthfully, I am. I've more shoes than necessary but believe it or not, I actually use all of them frequently and they're not just there for display. I don't really like to wear any foot gear that have totally worn down so to avoid that I stock myself with options. Natch, the pairs I buy come in different colours to match my clothes.

Now, the Clipa. In one of my meet-ups with friends, I was introduced to the innovative tool called a bag hook (or hanger or holder, you decide). I've long ago seen the contraption in displays but it never really occurred to me how they work. After seeing how my friend fastened the thing to the table and drape her bags on it (like how you would normally hang a coat on a wall peg), my first thought was, "So that's what those things are for!". Of course, the next was to ask her where she bought it. It took me awhile to remember searching for it (I was already distracted with books at the time) but when I did, I really went all out to find the design that would appeal to me. A fruitless search after a long day at work pushed me to check out my options via the web. In one of the numerous forums I read, the topic of durability was brought up. And then it hit me, "Just how much weight can a regular bag hanger hold?". With almost everything available on the net, the answer to that question was easy enough to find. For most, the answer is 5 kilos. I don't think I carry all that much around with me but I do admit to lugging around more than what some women prefer. Since I like to hang around coffee shops, my netbook and/or Kindle is usually among my must-haves. The challenge then was finding a bag holder sturdy enough for my pack.

Obviously, reading through forums brought to my attention the Clipa. According to its site as well as the many reviews from its users, this was the perfect holder for added bulk. Finding out that this was available here in the Phils. since last year was a bit of a stunner. Granted the thing is pricey at more than 800Php, still it's compact and unassuming design makes up for the cash output. It doubles as a bag accessory and even as a bangle so again, the thing is worth its cost considering there are bag accessories and bangles that don't necessarily function alternatively. The Clipa comes in different shades but I opted for one of the classics for versatility...the hematite. I'm very happy with my purchase and though it may be one of my last for the next few weeks (I'm already saving for my next new trip), my Clipa will now be one of the must-haves in my bag.

Butter For My Feet

I bought my fourth pair of Sanuk's yesterday at The Block. Like I said in my FB post, I would've bought a fifth and even a sixth if the ones I'd considered had my size. I don't know whether it was fortunate or not since I can never regret buying a perfectly good pair of footwear. I suppose it was because I came from work and needed the retail therapy but in any case, I was determined not to step out of the store without a purchase. I ended up purchasing the Standard Grey.

A former colleague from my previous work posted buying new shoes as well. I think I've heard of the brand before but I was clueless about the line they carried. Toms Shoes, short for Tomorrow's Shoes, has been around since 2006 when the idea stemmed from an individual who wanted to create a business that also benefited the less fortunate. Buying a pair equals another being donated to the recipients of their cause. Because they were shoes and giving is never a bad thing, I immediately searched for a pair in my size. After all that scouring, I ended up with zilch...at least one that delivers here in the Phils. Sigh. There are a lot of canvas shoes out there and these were plain in design...but the idea that you're not just buying one for yourself (sort of like a buy-one-take-one kind of deal) is not something to miss.

What's great about both Sanuk and Toms Shoes is that both are driven not just to make a profit but to give back as well. The first by using materials that are eco-friendly, the latter by helping the community. People might think shoes from these places are expensive but the rewards in knowing you've done a good thing while indulging yourself...well, that's just priceless.

Paranormal much

Monday, January 31, 2011

My sister recently suggested a new vampire series that she thought I might like to read. After having enjoyed and raved so much on J.R. Ward's Blackdagger Brotherhood Series and Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed Series, my expectation of this new one was quite high. Although the Breeds didn't quite make the ranking of the Brotherhood in my estimation, I still appreciate their similarities.

The Guardians of Eternity Series by Alexandra Ivy is, admittedly, another good read though not as much as the Brotherhood and Breed. I'm still adjusting to it eventhough I'm already at book 5 (of 7). There are parts that are a little too cheesy for me though they honestly stir my romantic tendencies. I must say that reading these have certainly given me a wider perspective into the paranormal realm. No longer are imps, water sprites, and feys the innocent creatures that are usually associated with them but they can be the meanest and downright trickiest beings ever. The format of the succeeding books pretty much follow the first one so it really becomes almost predictable later on. Still, reading how the other arrogant vampires are brought down to their knees by headstrong females is always a good way to lift my feminist heart.

One character I am seriously enjoying right now is Levet, the miniature French gargoyle. His witty and amusing "raspberries" against the meanest vampires never fail to make me smile. His iffy magic can make me cringe but it does get unexpected results so s'all good. I'd like for his character to have some happiness as well, thought not to the point that I would want an entire book written on him. ;P

Anyway, the series kicks off with When Darkness Comes. Here the story of the imprisoned warrior Dante and the chosen Chalice/Phoenix, Abby, unfolds. It's mostly chase scenes as they flit from one location to the next but their exchanges never fail to sizzle. Their characters return in the following books as Dante belongs to a clan of one of the most resourceful vampires in Chicago. While Viper meets his match in Shay, the Shalot demon, in the second book of the series, Embrace the Darkness, his connections are far-reaching enough that the next books are about the creatures he's met from past centuries. Among them is the vampire king, Styx, who encounters his true mate in the pureblooded Were, Darcy, in Darkness Everlasting. I'm not sure how the Conde Cezar was introduced in the series but his story with the Oracle, Anna, follows in book four, Darkness Revealed. In this book, the stoic recluse Jagr, is made known to the readers so natch his narrative is next in Darkness Unleashed. I've yet to finish this one so my full reviews will have to be in my next entry...assuming I'm still up for it. =)

One Fantabulous Treat...Fidelis Adobo Pate

With the infusion of foreign tastes into the local dining experience, it has become a trend to find that unique and extraordinary flavor that would inevitably be a hit in the market. The sweet blends of the Chinese dishes, the piquant punch of the Thai and Indian spices, the tartness of the Italian sauces, and even the salty zest of the American junkfood have all made its way into the hearts…and of course, bellies, of many Filipinos. Although these are all well and good, it is a bit disheartening that very few people know and appreciate the savory pizzazz found in Philippine cuisine.

With the hope of bringing foreign curiosity into the Filipino cookery and introducing a new product to both local and international aficionados, Audrey and Ember have come up with an innovative creation that mixes the refined touch of French appetizers to the nation’s favored viand. The product, Fidelis Adobo Paté, is the result of many trial recipes for the two young entrepreneurs. Selecting and rejecting ingredients, measurements, and procedures took numerous hours before they agreed on the combination that would suit the palate of even the most picky connoisseur.

As someone who can take more than an hour just to choose what to eat at your local eatery, it took me only one small taste of the Fidelis Adobo Paté to be convinced that this is an exceptional treat. Just a small amount of it on a cracker or the simplest pandesal is enough to bring back those sentimental thoughts of mom’s good ol’ homemade adobo. To the people who are away from the Philippines, to those who came back or are leaving, to the foreigners who are out to try a taste that is close to the Filipino heart, Fidelis Adobo Paté is for you.

Interested? Email fidelis.pilipinas@gmail.com